NONGSTOIN/NONGPOH/JOWAI, June 24: Three state districts on Friday raised the challenges posed by the menace of grub abuse to the society and flagged the need to address the concern at a wider scale. This was done across the three districts as part of the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, a rally was flagged off from IB PWD point to the venue of the official programme, which was organised by the office of the District Social Welfare Office in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit, West Khasi Hills District Police and NGOs including the Khasi Students’ Union of West Khasi Hills at Super Market Complex, Nongstoin.
Nongstoin MLA M Byrsat, who is also the Chairman of the State Law Commission, was the chief guest of the programme. Superintendant of Police of West Khasi Hills, HG Lyngdoh, and other district officials besides schoolteachers, students, and locals were also present.
In his address, Byrsat emphasised on the joint effort of the parents, school authority, Dorbars, police and the NGOs, stating that it is the need of the hour to eradicate menace of drugs. He strongly advised students and youths in particular to keep drugs and substances at an arm’s length.
A skit was performed by Mawkawah Social Welfare Organisation, while the chief guest handed over prize to the winner of slogan and banner writing.
Like Nongstoin, a colourful march was took out in Nongpoh from Pahamsyiem NSCA Mini Stadium, Nongpoh, to District Library Hall which saw the participation of schoolchildren and students of Ri-Bhoi College Nongpoh.
The office of the Superintendent of Police, Ri-Bhoi, observed the occasion at District Library Auditorium Hall Nongpoh.
Apart from the march, extempore speech and poster competition were also organised as part of the programme. A short play on the impact of drugs was performed by the NGO members of RAWA Umsning.
The SP, in his speech, called for cooperation from the general public including the students to curb the menace in the district.
Later, prizes were distributed to the winners of competitions.
Meanwhile in Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya DGP LR Bishnoi attended a programme at Panaliar Community Hall, Jowai, which was held in connection with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organised by the West Jaintia Hills District Executive Force in collaboration with Ka Sein Kynjai.
More than 700 students and faculty members of different schools attended the programme besides Superintendent of Police of West Jaintia Hills Bikram D Marak, Deputy SP CW Lyngdoh and others.
Underlining the need to curb the menace of drugs in his address, the DGP sought coordination and cooperation from all section of people. He informed the gathering that around 250 awareness programmes were conducted by the police to sensitise the community on the ill-effects of drugs in recent times.
A similar programme was organised by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer in collaboration with Breakthrough Rehabilitation Centre, Khliehtyrshi, at Ladthadlaboh Community Hall on the theme ‘Addressing drugs challenges in health and humanitarian care & crisis’.
Awareness was also disseminated among the participants on effects of drugs on family and individual health etc.
